The Tiffany Ring
In 1958, my great-grandfather, Charles P. Cooper gave a 50th-wedding-anniversary gift to his beloved partner, my great-grandmother, Leonora “Lee Lee” P. Cooper—a platinum ring adorned with 23 diamonds and 16 sapphires, designed by Tiffany & Co. in New York City.
Lee Lee passed away in 1985 at the age of 96. She was a world-class traveler who adored art and cultivated a vibrant social life. Elegant, intelligent, and always optimistic, she left a lasting impression. My mother, Leonora “Nora” C. Salaway, who absolutely cherished Lee Lee, inherited the heirloom ring—though I don’t recall ever seeing her wear it. She kept it safely stored in a bank vault, proud to be its guardian.
When my mother passed away in 2021, I inherited the Tiffany ring—and it is breathtaking. The piece feels made for a ballroom, an opera house, or some grand celebration. I am not currently attending such extravagant events, and rather than hide the ring away, I felt called to do something meaningful and transformative with it.
Instead of eventually leaving the ring to just one family member, my plan was to redesign it into eight necklaces—one for myself and some important family members. This feels like the most heartfelt way to share our family heirloom, honoring history while creating new memories.
To bring this idea to life, I connected with independent jewelry designer Stacey Kratz, owner of InBloom
Jewelry in Frederick, Maryland. Together, we explored my vision: transforming an antique Art Deco ring —a style from the 1930s known for bold geometry and repetition — into more organic, simple and modern forms. I envisioned softer lines, and fewer stones. Some designs feature a symmetrical shape with sterling silver and gold metals attached with diamonds and sapphires; elegant chevrons with diamonds nestled between sapphires; and another resembles delicate flowers formed from diamonds alone.
Stacey and her team are remarkable—talented, thoughtful, and genuinely kind. Most importantly, they
are trustworthy, transparent, and committed to the highest standards. I am profoundly grateful to have
found them and to be turning a cherished piece of family history into something that will shine for generations to come.
Yet its true value lies in the love and legacy it carries.
— Tracey D. Salaway
